Damage-associated molecular patterns in inflammatory bowel disease: From biomarkers to therapeutic targets

Figure 1 Participation of pathogen-associated molecular patterns and damage-associated molecular patterns in the induction of inflammatory responses in the intestinal mucosa. Pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and fungi present pathogen-associated molecular patterns that are able to stimulate cellular receptors such as toll-like receptors and nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain-like receptors to promote the production of proinflammatory cytokines and recruitment of inflammatory cells. Upon tissue damage, injured cells release molecules known as damage-associated molecular patterns into the extracellular milieu to further stimulate and amplify the inflammatory response. TLR: Toll-like receptor; NLR: NOD-like receptor; IL: Interleukin; ATP: Adenosine triphosphate; DAMPs: Damage-associated molecular patterns; HMGB: High mobility group box; LPS: Lipopolysaccharide; PAMPs: Pathogen-associated molecular patterns.